Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 12/19/2006

Question
My 17 year old son has been taking Strattera for about 6 months.  Some of his recent writings were disturbing in nature and I now think he is hiding depression.  He had an experience with Zoloft a couple of years ago with increased depression and agitation, so we are very suspicious of any drug he takes.  Could his Strattera be causing depression?  It seems to be treating the ADD so very well.

Answer
ADHD patients may develope depression and Strattera may also cause it. A Hamilton rating scale will show instantly if depression is aggrevating his ADHD. Zoloft is a very good choice and does not cause the the symptoms you experienced. Howevewr the ADHD aspect, not fully controlled might give those symproms. Are any rating scales being used to determine if his Strattera is effective enough. Only an optimal dose is acceptable. Depfression is  never hidden, Zoloft cannot make it worse or cause agitation. The dose for ADHD must be effective, Zoloft takes at least a month to start working and rating scales will show exactly what is required.  What doses did he take of the medication?.What is his weight? How long did he takethe Zoloft? With so little information it is difficult to make a commwnt about his treatment.